“ You cannot uneducate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore. ” – César Chávez, UFW

PRESENTE ACTION RESPONDS TO THE #TRUMPSHUTDOWN OF THE GOVERNMENT

Jan. 20, 2018

Statement from Matt Nelson, Executive Director, Presente Action:

"Trump and the GOP made a choice to cling tightly to their racist, misogynist, xenophobic, brutal agenda of hate instead of supporting basic values of democratic process, fairness, compassion, and opportunity.

"Our government has a responsibility for the well-being of the public, and we need a government that believes no human being is illegal. We go forward into this next phase with tremendous momentum and with the support of millions across the country. We believe that we will win permanent protection for our loved ones and our family members. And we will not allow the Trump agenda to further endanger our lives and well-being. We applaud the 44 Democrats — and the few Republicans — who did the right thing and supported Dreamers and voted for America’s best values rather than Trump’s racist, mass deportation agenda. We applaud those Members of Congress who defend a government that serves the good of all of us rather than a few.

"Undocumented youth need permanent protection, and should not be at the whim of back and forth legal strategy and partisan gamesmanship. A clean Dream Act would provide permanent protection for undocumented youth and not risk the safety of their parents. We are fighting for a clean Dream Act that does NOT come with a border wall or the further militarization of the border, more ICE raids, or any measures that would make the rest of the undocumented community to become even more vulnerable. A clean Dream Act is a Dream Act that won’t force undocumented youth to choose between protection for DREAMers or protection for their families."

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Presente Action is the nation’s largest online Latinx organizing group; advancing social justice with technology, media, and culture.